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Welcome the First International Environmental Treaty'

Montreal Protocol

The 1987 Montreal Protocol is commonly cited as a success story at international level. The aim of the agreement was to limit the release of Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) aerosols into the atmosphere and subsequently halt the depletion of Ozone (O3) in the stratosphere.

There were a number of factors that contributed to Montreal’s success, these included:

• The problem and solution were both clearly defined and supported by industry (albeit not initially);

• The Ozone hole was easily measurable;

• There was an effective scientific lobbying alliance that played a key role in convincing the US Government and the commercial sector (in particular DuPont, then one of the largest manufacturers of CFCs).

The aim of the Montreal Protocol has been to eliminate the source of CFC emissions, as a result the only really feasible way for a state to achieve this would be through a ban on substances related to Ozone depletion.

How bad would the ozone hole be if we did nothing?

Monitoring and measuring over the years since the passage of the Montreal Protocol demonstrates the successful implementation, and model, of international cooperation.

By September 2009, 196 parties had signed the Montreal Protocol, making it the first treaty of any kind to achieve universal ratification. All the world’s governments are now legally obligated to phase out ozone depleting substances (ODSs) under the schedules defined by the Protocol.

On the 25th Anniversary of the Montreal Protocol

We’re already much better off for cutting ozone-destroying CFCs

September 2012

Saving the ozone layer: why the Montreal Protocol worked

The Montreal Protocol is one of the most successful and effective environmental treaties ever negotiated and implemented. No single factor led to its success. But if an overarching reason is needed, look no further than the unprecedented level of cooperation and commitment shown by the international community.

On the 30th Anniversary of the Montreal Protocol

September 2017

Without the Ozone Treaty You’d Get Sunburned in 5 Minutes

Turning 30 this month, the Montreal Protocol was a landmark environmental success that serves as a model for addressing other problems, although it also has some unfinished business.

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